Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $56,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,840.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area supports a local workforce of 1,230 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 4.847, the demand for these professionals is present, though the concentration quotient of 1.7 indicates a higher presence than the national average, suggesting a potentially robust, albeit localized, job market.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-12.2%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,083
$4,693
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors have seen consistent growth over the past four years nationally. This trend is likely mirrored in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and a growing demand for counseling services, leading to incremental salary increases.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles of the earning spectrum. The salary distribution reflects these distinct levels of expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,370 | $17.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,233 | $20.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $49,780 | $23.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,388 | $33.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $82,840 | $39.8 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,310 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added burden of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,230
Total Jobs
4.847
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 1.7x the national concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.7, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor roles are more concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more established professional community for these services in the area, potentially indicating a competitive but accessible job market for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hiring Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $56,310. This typically ranges from $36,370 for entry-level positions to $82,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 12.2% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, but it offers average cost of living.While the average salary of $56,310 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($66,650) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for these counselors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $56,310, which is $7,790 less than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient is 1.7, indicating that these roles are 70% more concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area has a cost of living that is exactly average, meaning the $56,310 salary has average purchasing power.
What is the total number of these counselors in the area?
There are approximately 1,230 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,230 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 4.847 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA